United Way, with new director, kicks off Monday

Published 3:00 am, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Fresh off four decades of success, the Plainview Area United Way will kick off its 2015 fall campaign on Monday with a new executive director.

Leigh Ann Bradley, who has spent the past eight years as a library assistant with Plainview ISD, officially began her new role as director for the local United Way, which serves as an umbrella funding source for 11 local charities.

Bradley and husband Kyle, who works at Ray Lee Equipment, will be celebrating their 22nd anniversary later this year. They have two children, sons Payton, a freshman at Wayland Baptist University, and Carson, a Plainview High School freshman. She grew up in Hobbs, N.M., and is a member of the First Baptist Church.

With Chris LeFevre serving as drive chairman, last year’s effort successfully met its $300,000 goal by finishing the campaign at $301,241.03. This year, LeFevre moves up to United Way president with Dr. Brent Richburg serving as drive chairman. His goal is $300,000, and Richburg will be assisted by Matt Kelley, assistant campaign chair. Other executive officers include Ken Coughlin, budget chair; Kevin Carter, public relations chair; David Wilder, treasurer; Janis Roberson, secretary; and V.O. Ortega, past president.

This year’s drive will start with a kickoff luncheon at noon Monday, Aug. 31, at the Plainview Convention Center. Tickets are $10 per person and available from the United Way office in the Hale County Senior Citizens Center at 12th and Smyth, phone 293-7072, or by contacting Matt Kelley. Tickets also will be available at the door.

“I want to emphasis that the Plainview Area United Way truly is a local charity and serves a variety of other local groups,” explains Richburg. “It’s Plainview residents helping their friends and neighbors.”

During the past seven years, the United Way has served as a conduit for more than $3 million in local donations that have gone to local organizations. The local group sends only $3,600 per year to United Way International, in return for its support, the rights to use the familiar United Way logo and for that organization’s services.

“Plainview Area United Way is part of #teamplainview,” Richburg noted. “The money raised here, stays here. It goes to our member agencies, which offers services and assistance to our grandparents, parents, families and individuals. These local health and human service agencies provide programs and services to communities in Hale County as well as other counties in the surrounding agencies.”

This year will mark the organization’s 40th campaign since it was reorganized in 1975 after the earlier Community Chest/United Fund fell dormant for several years. Since that time, Plainview’s United Way has never failed to meet its goal through the generosity of Plainview area businesses and individuals.

The 11 agencies which are partnering with Plainview Area United Way include: